Home » Buhari » Page 2
Tag:

Buhari

BusinessNews

Buhari unveils e-Naira on Monday – CBN

by Editor
written by Editor

The Nigerian Central Bank, CBN, says President Muhammadu Buhari will formally unveil the country’s digital currency (CBDC), known as the eNaira, on Monday, at the State House, Abuja.

The apex bank made this known on its Facebook page on Sunday.

According to the bank, the eNaira is a result of years of research to advance the boundaries of payment systems.

“The launch of the eNaira is a culmination of several years of research work by the Central Bank of Nigeria in advancing the boundaries of payments system in order to make financial transactions easier and seamless for every strata of the society.

“Following series of engagements with relevant stakeholders including the banking community, fintech operators, merchants and indeed, a cross section of Nigerians, the CBN designed the digital currency, which shall be activated on Monday, October 25, 2021,” the statement said.

0 comment
1 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
EducationNews

Buhari urges Nigerian varsities to emulate Unilorin

by Editor
written by Editor

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged other institutions of higher learning in the country to take a cue from the University of Ilorin by always working for and maintaining peace at all times.

The President, who made the call last Saturday (October 23, 2021) in his address at the 36th Convocation of the University of Ilorin, pointed out that “our universities must remain citadels of learning, research and community service. They should remain the leading lights of every human society”.

President Buhari, who was represented on the occasion by Prof. Ignatius Onimawo, commended the University of Ilorin for sustaining its glowing reputation as the nation’s most sought-after University in the country in the last eight years. Our universities must remain citadels of learning, research and community service. They should remain the leading lights of every human society and ours should not be a difference.

He said, “This reputation is not only as a result of the good work of the staff but also due to the consistent maturity of Unilorin students, adding that “your University is, therefore, a pride to the nation. It has remained largely peaceful in the last two decades. It has become an example of the best of what a University should be and I must say that the nation is very proud of what you have turned the University into”.

President Buhari charged Nigerian youths to positively explore their intellect, energies and other peculiar characteristics associated with their level of development and contemporary age with a view to carving a space for themselves to enable them offer their contributions to national development.

The President said that the nation expected its youthful segment, which constituted the greatest percentage of its population, to play more positive roles in nation-building.

He urged the youth not to procrastinate but begin to challenge themselves with what they would do that would eventuate in the creation of a sustainable space for themselves in national affairs, saying that “they must task themselves and explore their competencies to do things differently having been carefully prepared and nurtured to bring out and demonstrate the best of attitude and skills”.

The President also reiterated the fact that as much as his administration tried it cannot provide jobs for all the graduates whose number is on the increase. He however, assured that enabling environment would be created and sustained for them to discover their ingenuity and for industries to thrive so as to complement government efforts in that direction.
President Buhari emphasised the need for youths “to be determined and focused to be worthy of being described as the potential leaders of this great nation”, saying that they must justify the huge investment of government, their parents and larger society on them.

While congratulating the graduands and their parents for successfully completing various courses of studies, the President reiterated the commitment of his administration to improve the quality of service delivery in all the levels of the nation’s educational system. He explained that it was towards achieving this that his administration introduced the payment of stipends to students pursuing teacher education at government-owned Universities and Colleges of Education to ensure that those who are being trained to teach are given the desired comfort that would turn them into great teachers in the interest of the nation’s present and future.

President Buhari, who bemoaned the negative impacts of the Coronavirus pandemic on the nation, congratulated the management and staff of the University of Ilorin for concluding the 2019/2020 academic session despite the COVID-19 and other challenges.

He reminded Nigerians of the need to remain conscious of the perilous effects of COVID-19 as he urged them not to take things for granted but protect themselves and their communities against its spread by following all the protocols and regulations dished out by relevant authorities.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
NewsPolitics

Stop Irritating Nigerians With False Performance Claims, PDP Tells Buhari, APC

by Editor
written by Editor

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) charges President Muhammadu Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to respect the office of the President and stop irritating Nigerians with false performance claims.

The PDP describes as embarrassing, the resort by the Buhari administration to media hyping of non-existent projects and programs in the face of manifest stagnation and failure in all sectors of national life.

According to a press statement signed by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kolapo Ologbondiya, “Is it not strange that with the near total collapse of infrastructure, deteriorated economy, skyrocketing inflation, high cost of food, inexcusable high mortality rate, an abysmally low purchasing power, high spate of insecurity and a lack of direction in the country, President Buhari is busy parading non-existent projects as achievements?

“We challenge President Buhari to break the circle of his administration’s fairy-tale by leaving the comfort of Aso Rock and commence an infrastructural tour of the nation, by road, and see whether he can locate the projects he had been made to hype on paper as achievements.

“After the trip, President Buhari would know why he and his administration have become a butt of joke among Nigerians and why his administration has gone down in history as the worst in our nation.

“Of course, if there were such projects as claimed by the Buhari Presidency, Nigerians would not need any media hype to see them.

“The resort to media hysteria and defacing of our streets with banners of fictitious projects is because they do not exist on the ground.

“Our party urges President Buhari not to allow his handlers to continue to ridicule him but use the opportunity of such ceremonies to apologize to Nigerians for his failures as well as the agony he has plunged them into in the last six years”, the statement said.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
BusinessNews

Buhari approves establishment of two new tertiary institutions

by Editor
written by Editor

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved two new tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The president approved the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Kirikasamma and the Federal College of Education (Special) Birnin Kudu.

This was revealed in a statement signed by Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Friday.

According to the statement, “in consonance with the commitment of his administration to diversify the economy with agriculture playing a critical role, President Muhammadu Buhari has assented to the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (Amendment) Bill 2021.

“With the amendment, the Council is expected to play a crucial part in coordinating research efforts in the agricultural sector towards achieving food sufficiency and security in the nation.

“The President, who assented to the bills before his visit to Ethiopia, also approved the establishment of the Federal College of Agriculture, Kirikasamma and the Federal College of Education (Special) Birnin Kudu”, the statement said.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
CrimeNews

DG FIIRO faces trial for using forged certificate for 18yrs

by Editor
written by Editor

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission to begin the process of prosecuting the former acting Director-General of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos, Chima Igwe for allegedly receiving salaries with a phantom doctorate for 18 years with forged certificate.

The president also asked the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, to allow the institute’s governing board to operate freely.

The President instructed that the board should commence the process of appointing a substantive director general. This may be a resolution of the leadership tussle that has crippled the running of the institute for about two years.

In 2019, when the position of DG was vacant at FIIRO after the former occupant retired, Onu appointed Igwe despite the opposition of the governing board due to his controversial doctorate, which was being investigated by the ICPC.

Investigation conducted at Universite D’Abomey Calavi, Benin Republic, where the embattled DG claimed to have bagged the PhD, revealed that he did not complete the programme and had only been using an attestation letter issued by his supervisor in 2002 to gain promotion at the institute.

The ICPC, which initially cleared Igwe, said it was misled and reopened investigation into his case.

The agency later concluded that he did not finish the academic programme.He was subsequently deposed and demoted by the FIIRO board to the position he held before claiming the phantom certificate in 2002.

Igwe was said to have returned to the Benin varsity, defended his thesis and was issued a certificate dated 2020.

However, Onu subsequently pressured the FIIRO board to reinstate him as DG, which was rejected by the board Chairman, Alhaji Ibrahim Gwarzo, who insisted that the officer deserved prosecution and not reward for the fraud.

After several failed attempts to get the board to do his bidding, the minister levelled allegations of financial improprieties against the members, which were reportedly dismissed by the authorities.

Efforts by the board to begin the process of installing a substantive DG were frustrated by Onu, who claimed that the President was still considering Igwe for the position.

The minister later sent a memo to the board, saying their term had expired, despite not completing their four-year tenure and without the approval of the President, who alone had powers to dissolve the board.

However, Buhari, in a letter dated September 7, 2021, addressed to Onu, and signed by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Administration and Operations), Ibrahim Adamu, declined the “prayers of the Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation on the appointment of Chima Cartney Igwe as the substantive Director-General of FIIRO, Oshodi, Lagos State.”

“Directed the governing board of FIIRO to commence the process of the appointment of a substantive Director General in accordance with Section 2.1.3.3 (a) and (d) of the Conditions of Service for Federal Research and Development Agencies, Institutes and Colleges (Revised 2019).

“Directed the Honourable Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation to allow the Governing Board of FIIRO to operate freely within the ambit of the provisions of extant regulations guiding the relationship between the ministry and parastatals.

“Directed the ICPC to commence prosecution of Mr Chima Cartney Igwe for giving false information to his employer,” the document added.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Universities’ Teaching Hospitals Research Institutes and Associated Institutions, FIIRO branch, Togunde Oyekola, commended the board chairman and his team for their commitment to justice and integrity.

Oyekola urged the board to do more on productivity enhancement and staff welfare. He also called for transparency in the appointment of a substantive DG within the confines of the law, public service rules, conditions of service of research institutions and other extant rules.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
NewsPolitics

Expose Terrorism Sponsors if You are Not Complicit, PDP Challenges APC, Buhari Presidency

by Editor
written by Editor

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) asserts that the refusal by the Buhari Presidency to expose the names of sponsors of terrorism in Nigeria, vindicates its position that the All Progressives Congress (APC) government has been providing official cover for terrorists and bandits pillaging the nation.

The PDP position is predicated on the declaration of the Buhari Presidency that it was not interested in making public, the names of six Nigerians reportedly sent to the Federal Government by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as sponsors of terrorism in our country.

According to a press statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiya, “The PDP holds that the decision of the APC-led government to cover the identity of sponsors of mindless mass killings, maiming, rapping, kidnapping of our compatriots as well as the endless violent marauding of our communities under the APC watch, validates our stand that such individuals have connections with the APC.

“This unpatriotic stance by the Buhari Presidency raises serious national anxieties of high-level complicity in the administration and further explains the reported compromising of our security system in the escalated killings and acts of terrorism in our country in the last six years under the APC.

“Nigerians can see why the APC-led administration has failed to take decisive steps to tackle terrorism, why it prefers to negotiate with terrorists and even makes case for them, instead apprehending and prosecuting them, as witnessed in the beheading of rice farmers in Borno state.

“The PDP had always alerted of a connection between the APC and terrorists ravaging various parts of our nation and how the APC, as a party, had always failed to forcefully condemn acts of terrorism in our country. Nigerians can recall how the APC vehemently defended and still habours the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, a self-confessed terrorism apologist, despite national outcry and demand for his sack.

“Also, the APC has failed to account for the bandits, thugs and hoodlums it imported from neighboring countries to unleash violence on Nigerians and muscle the 2019 elections.

“If the APC and its administration have nothing to cover, our party challenges them to immediately publish the names of the sponsors of terrorism given to it by the UAE, instead of this vexatious desperation to provide official cover for them”. the statement said.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
NewsPolitics

Buhari swears in 3 new INEC National Commissioner

by Editor
written by Editor

President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn three new National Commissioners into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The ceremony was performed briefly before the commencement of the week’s virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Those sworn-in include Dr Baba Bila representing the North-East zone, Professor Sani Adam, North-Central and Professor Abdullahi Abdu, representing North-West.

Buhari is currently presiding over the week’s virtual FEC meeting in the conference room of the First Lady’s office at the Presidential Villa.

The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, are among those physically attending the meeting.

Also present are the Ministers of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu.

Others include Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; Works and Housing, Babtunde Fashola (SAN) and Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeshola.

The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan and other Ministers are attending virtually from their various offices in Abuja.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
HealthNews

Buhari calls on health workers to return to duty post

by Editor
written by Editor

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday in Abuja called on health workers to return to their duty posts, urging others contemplating strikes to opt for settlement of issues by negotiation, no matter how long it takes.

“The lives of citizens that could be lost or damaged when doctors withdraw services, are precious enough to be worth opting for peaceful resolution of differences,’’ the President noted, while receiving members of Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) at the State House.

President Buhari assured that all outstanding benefits owed medical doctors will be cleared, after verifications, noting that embarking on industrial action at a critical health period for the country and citizens was not a good option.

“Protecting our citizens is not to be left to government alone, but taken as a collective responsibility, in which especially medical professionals play a critical role.

“Let me speak directly to the striking doctors. Embarking on industrial action at this time when Nigerians need you most is not the best action to take, no matter the grievances.

“This Administration has a good track record of paying all debts owed to government workers, pensioners and contractors and we have even revisited debts left by past administrations, once due verification is done. Debts genuinely owed Health workers will be settled.

“I learnt that some of the 12 points demand in the ongoing strike were already addressed. Though the Review of a new Hazard Allowance has not been fully negotiated because of the sharp and deep division within the ranks of the striking doctors.’’

President Buhari said the outstanding issue of an Establishment circular issued by the Head of Service, removing House officers, NYSC Doctors from scheme of service had an addendum circular from National Salaries and Wages Commission to clarify that they will continue to earn the wages attached to them on their present wage structure.

“I request that the agreement reached in the meetings of 20th and 21st August captured in the MOU which I have seen be religiously implemented,’’ he added.

To further improve the health sector, the President said budgetary allocations had been increased and a Health Sector Reform Committee, under the Chairmanship of the Vice President, had been commissioned to identify and address weaknesses in the Health System and align with global best practices that raise public confidence.

“We are also supporting initiatives to expand health insurance coverage and bring more resources to health financing.

“In this respect, it is important to remind you that, as senior medical personnel and representatives of one of the most respected professional groups in the world, your responsibility for the health and wellbeing of Nigerians are clear.

“It does not end only with the welfare of your members, but continues with a sense of responsibility for the entire country and its sociopolitical health and national stability,’’ he added.

“I am proud also to learn of various feats that have been achieved in our hospitals, like the separation of conjoined twins and also the valiant efforts of our health personnel in handling the Covid-19 pandemic, much of which has earned us recognition at home and abroad, and the recent appointment of one of your colleagues as Assistant Director General of the World Health Organization. We again warmly congratulate Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu for his elevation.’’

President Buhari admonished that the course of Covid-19 in Nigeria was not yet entirely clear, and response to it must be collective.

In his remarks, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said the NMA had been playing a critical role in development of the health sector, particularly in tackling pandemics, participating in policy formulation and population health.

President of the NMA, Prof. Innocent A. Ujah, thanked the President for appointment of members into strategic positions in government, assent to the Medical Residency Act and immunization coverage.

Ujah said the association was concerned with the industrial action embarked upon by doctors, and had been doing its best to alleviate the suffering of patients across the country, while appealing for an urgent resolution.

The NMA president thanked President Buhari for takeoff grant for first Federal University of Health Sciences in Otukpo, Benue State, Azare, Bauchi State and Ila Orangun, Osun State.

Ujah suggested an appropriate funding module for the new institutions.He assured the President of the continuous support of members of the association to improve health in the country.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
HealthNews

Oni tasks Buhari over Doctors’ strike

by Editor
written by Editor

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has charged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to end the ongoing industrial action embarked upon by the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD), without further delay.

Ooni Ogunwusi made the call on Thursday at his Ile Oodua palace, Ile-Ife, during the inauguration of the SouthWest Traditional Leaders’ Committee on Public Health Delivery, by the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.

Describing the strike action as highly unfortunate, the Ooni who is the Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, noted that health workers are essential service providers who should not abandon their duty posts no matter what what.

“I am aware of your relentless efforts towards ending the strike as quick as possible but Nigerians cannot wait any further. The strike action has brought a lot of hardships to Nigerians especially the poor and other vulnerable persons who cannot afford privately owned health facilities which obviously is now the alternative.” Ooni admonished.

Speaking further on roles of traditional rulers in efficient Public Health delivery, Ooni Ogunwusi noted that the relevance of Kings and chiefs across the country particularly can be attested to by their roles in the fight against Ebola virus disease, polio and others.

“We are the closest to our people, palaces have no door and that is why it is easy for information to reach all of our subjects immediately we send them. They believe us so much too by the virtue of our tradition and we are upholding these good traits.

“The newly inaugurated Southwest Traditional Leaders’ Commitee on PHC Delivery is indeed going to formalize the enormous works of traditional rulers across Yoruba land and I can assure you that Nigerians are going to benefit immensely from this initiative.” The Ooni added.

In his response, The Minister of Health promised that efforts would be doubled to ensure that the current industrial action being embarked upon by health workers would be brought to an end.

“This is a time when we face different challenges in the health sector due to the adverse effect of Covid-19, it is not the best time for doctors to be going on strike. We are working to ensure that they resume soonest and I want to assure Nigerians that this would be achieved very soon.” The Minister said.

While inaugurating the committee, Dr. Ehanire explained that in providing quality health services to Nigerians as priority of the President Buhari-led administration, the government recognizes the indispensable roles of traditional rulers.

“As a takeoff plan, I wish to promise that a standard Primary Health Centre will be built and made functional each in all states across the SouthWest as a model and the location would be decided by this commitee.

“The facility will be equiped with standard Staff Quarters, Solar-Powered Borehole, a Keke Ambulance and other basic facilities. We are proud to be working with you and we hope to achieve a lot together.” The Minister added.

In his speech, Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, called for more support from Nigerians, particularly the traditional institution.

“We are aware of your might as leaders and we want you to support you with this in order for us to serve Nigerians better. You did it in creation of awareness against Polio virus till we swept it off the shores of Nigeria and even now with Covid-19, it is evident that you can do it again.” Dr. Faisal said.

In the same vein, the country Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Peter Hawkins pledged the organization’s commitment quality public health delivery in Nigeria especially in the areas of routine immunization for the children and other vital areas.

The event which was attended by health experts and political leaders across the country including representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO) and Rotary among others, equally played host to traditional rulers across Yoruba land including the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Soliu Adetunji, Ewi of Ado Ekiti, Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi among others.The Ooni rounded it off with the presentation of symbolic artworks to the Minister and representatives of UNICEF, WHO and others.

0 comment
0 FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappTelegramEmail
Load More Posts